Ban Fur? Then Why Not Leather?

Introduction

Monica Almeida/The New York Times In West Hollywood, Calif., where fur sales will be banned.

Much to the displeasure of some local businesses, the City Council in West Hollywood, Calif., voted unanimously last week to ban the sale of fur products.

West Hollywood has long been a national focal spot for animal rights campaigners. Some critics of the fur ban said that it was unfair to single out one industry. Is it hypocritical to ban sales of fur, but not sales of leather and hides? Is there a meaningful distinction, or are these battles simply the politics of the possible? Does the law raise constitutional issues?